Oxnard's Reina Rogers rediscovers passion for golf

Rogers rediscovers her passion for game at River Ridge

ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
Reina Rogers, 23, joined the staff of River Ridge Golf Club in September after graduating from college. The former All-County golf standout lives in Oxnard.
12/12/12 Oxnard, CA

Ventura County Star

ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
Reina Rogers (left), 23, joined the staff of River Ridge Golf Club in September after graduating from college. The former All-County golf standout lives in Oxnard.
12/12/12 Oxnard, CA

Ventura County Star

ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
Reina Rogers, 23, joined the staff of River Ridge Golf Club in September after graduating from college. The former All-County golf standout lives in Oxnard.
12/12/12 Oxnard, CA

Ventura County Star

ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
Reina Rogers, 23, joined the staff of River Ridge Golf Club in September after graduating from college. The former All-County golf standout lives in Oxnard.
12/12/12 Oxnard, CA

Ventura County Star

Even with the things we love, there are times when we need to take a break in order to reignite the passion that once burned.

That was the case for Oxnard resident Reina Rogers with golf following her graduation from college in 2011.

Rogers, 23, was one of the top junior golfers in the county during her time at Oxnard High. She advanced to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs three straight seasons, and was named The Star's Female Golfer of the Year following her senior season.

Accepting a scholarship to play golf at Long Beach State, Rogers didn't skip a beat in the jump from high school to Division I competition. She earned a spot in the 49ers starting lineup in her freshman season and never relinquished it.

Playing four seasons for Long Beach State, Rogers twice earned Big West Conference honorable mention honors and as a junior she helped the 49ers make a rare appearance in the NCAA finals.

After eight straight years balancing golf and school, Rogers had lost her passion for the game.

"I was just a little burned out with golf," Rogers said. "All the nonstop competing, the travel to tournaments, and pushing in my studies, I just lost my desire for golf. It almost became a chore to even play so I knew I needed a break."

So Rogers stuck her golf clubs in the closet. For more than a year, she only pulled them out a few times for a casual round with friends.

She was hired to work at an animal hospital in Ventura, where she did a little of everything, from working in the front office to helping out with surgeries in a limited capacity.

"It was an awesome experience," Rogers said. "It was really interesting to be in the room to watch the doctor do a surgery and to be part of things. It was a totally new group of people who had no interest in golf and that was OK with me."

Eventually, Rogers started to miss golf.

She dusted off the clubs and headed out to River Ridge, where she spent so much time as a junior golfer playing and practicing. While out there, she played with River Ridge head professional Susan Sipes and teaching professional Jon Gomez.

Despite some rust, Rogers showed she could still play. At the end of the round, Sipes told Rogers if she was interested in getting into the golf business, she could find a spot for her.

Rogers liked the idea. After an interview with general manager Otto Kanny, Rogers was hired as a golf apprentice about three months ago. Her duties include working in the pro shop and helping out with a few of the beginners in the adult lesson program.

Rogers is happy to be back in golf and working at a course where was a cart kid as a teenager.

"Everyone has been so nice and I love it because every day is different," Rogers said. "I'm learning so much about all aspects of the golf business."

Rogers has just started the process of becoming a PGA professional. Once she passes her playing ability test, Rogers can enroll in the program, which typically takes three to four years to complete.

Sipes, who has known Rogers since was 11, is excited to have the former Yellowjacket on board.

"Reina has been a fabulous addition to our staff," Sipes said. " We all know how a puppy can invigorate older dogs. Well, Reina brings that kind of energy into the River Ridge pro shop.

"She has a fresh, young perspective that is contagious. And she will be a great PGA professional. Not only is she a dedicated player, but she has patience and smarts to go through the PGA membership process."

Once she's into the program, Rogers hopes to do a lot more teaching. Gomez, who coaches golf at St. Bonaventure, has asked her to help coach the girls golf team. Rogers planson teaching both adults and kids in the River Ridge lesson program. She's already enjoyed her limited teaching experience.

"It's fun to help someone improve and then see the look on their face," Rogers said. "I want to pass along all the things I've learned and experienced to help other people enjoy golf."